joseph-kony

You know his name. You know he’s been murdering and kidnapping innocent men, women, and children for almost 30 years. You know Kony and his forces have moved out of Uganda and into Sudan, Central African Republic, and Democratic Republic of Congo.

But here are 6 things you may not know about Joseph Kony:

1. He’s about the same age as George Clooney

Very little is known about Kony and at times it can seem like he is not a real person. But he is in fact a real person, with a real birthday. He’s the same age as George Clooney who turns 53 this year.

2. Kony never finished elementary school

The infamous Joseph Kony dropped out of school before completing his elementary education. Due to poverty and a mysterious illness (see #3), Kony was unable to complete primary school. However, this was far from rare at the time. According to one report released by the United Nations, primary school completion rates before 1990 were only 35% in Uganda.

3. He may suffer from a minor form of epilepsy

Based on the information collected from defected soldiers and Kony relatives, it is possible the warlord suffers from a minor form of epilepsy, which may explain his illness in childhood.

4. Have a question about a dream? Ask Kony.

A 2011 report states that when LRA fighters have a question about anything – from dreams to attack plans, they turn to Kony for answers. He is seen as the ultimate authority on everything.

5. Kony is in Sudan, and al-Bashir, Sudan’s president, is turning a blind eye.

Kony hides out in Kafia Kingi, a Sudanese enclave by the Central African Republic border. This isn’t really surprising, since he has worked with Sudan in the past. In the 1990s, the LRA worked as mercenaries for the Sudanese government (read: al-Bashir) and in return al-Bashir offered funds, weapons, and sanctuary. Today, the Sudanese government has remained mute on the topic of Joseph Kony, turning a blind eye to the warlord’s whereabouts.

6. Kony is indicted on 33 charges by the International Criminal Court.

You read right: 33 charges. Human rights abuses, war crimes, murder, the list goes on.

Want more? Here are 8 more facts about Joseph Kony you may not know.

 

KONY AND HIS FORCES ARE STILL LOOTING, ABDUCTING, AND MURDERING INNOCENT CIVILIANS IN CENTRAL AFRICA. THEIR REIGN OF TERROR CONTINUES, BUT WE ARE WORKING TO DISMANTLE HIS ARMY FROM THE INSIDE. DONATE TO OUR DEFECTION PROGRAMS HERE.